8,000 Attend Finnish Festival

LAKE WORTH — There was food, dance, crafts, and all the makings of a typical festival. But one thing was different.

The main attraction, the people, spoke mostly in their native Finnish and Swedish.

Finlandia Days held Saturday and Sunday at Bryant Park attracted 8,000 people. The festival honored the Finnish population of Palm Beach County.

An estimated 15,000 live in the area year-round, but the number soars to more than 20,000 during the winter season, officials said.

Committee members hope the festival will be an annual event to let people know that there is a sizable Finnish community in the Palm Beaches.

``We are celebrating our heritage and letting Americans know who we are, what we can do and how we can contribute to society,`` said Erkki Salmi of Palm Springs.

``We are people, too,`` he said. ``We want to be included in the mainstream of American activities so we can make a contribution.``

More than 25 booths scattered throughout the park sold baked goods, natural bristle brushes, wooden toys, clothes, glassware, paintings and other items.

Dancing, singing and instrumental performances were presented.

Maps, books, brochures and various kinds of literature on the independent republic in Northern Europe were on display.

``This kind of celebration brings many nationalities together to learn about the different cultures,`` said Esther Lilley of Lake Worth. ``I am proud to participate in Finlandia Days to honor my parents` land of birth.``

Tuula Denis lived in Finland for 35 years before relocating to Miami just a few years ago. She spoke fondly of the land where her son, brother and parents still live.

``The country is clean and provides its citizens with a sense of security,`` Denis said.

``Finlandia Days gives the Finnish here in the area a point of reference, a very definite way with which to identify,`` she said in her native language. ``We are among friends and it gives us a sense of belonging.``